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“Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence should not risk her health with a hunger strike, nor is coercion a reasonable or responsible tool to be used in making a request to meet with the Prime Minister and a representative of the Crown. Ms. Spence’s actions do, however, reveal a depth of desperation over the challenges confronting her struggling first nation that should concern Stephen Harper.”

“The genie’s out of the bottle. This movement isn’t going away. The Harper government’s downfall will be remembered as one of its own making. Chief Spence, we thank you for your brave and important hunger strike. There is justice at stake here and that affects everyone. Our thoughts are with you and we will be with you every step of the way.”

“A national movement devoted to aboriginal rights and welfare is a productive addition to Canada’s politics. Suicide threats are not. Chief Theresa Spence is evidently, and justifiably, frustrated by the situation in Attawapiskat and by the state of the relationship between First Nations and the Canadian government. She says the government is not living up to the Crown’s treaty commitments to aboriginal people. Her decision to stop eating solid food, and to wait on Victoria Island for the government to meet her demands, has helped to galvanize the Idle No More movement. The anger that led her to her hunger strike is understandable. But it’s difficult to see how her actions can lead to anything except more anger.”

“I’ve long said that native people are the invisible people, and native children in particular are the invisible children of Canadian society. What we need to do is raise the consciousness of the public, and raise the consciousness of the Canadian cabinet, that these are real people. And they suffer.”

“For years, aboriginals have been out of sight, out of mind for most Canadians. We’ve lived in isolation from native people but now there’s no avoiding these issues anymore. And sadly we’re seeing a lot of ignorant and sometimes racist (rhetoric) across the country.”

“Some might call her hunger strike an act of desperation, a desperate act to save her community, her people. But it has become so much more than that. Chief Theresa Spence has inspired her fellow First Nations citizens and so many more to “idle no more.” She has inspired them to dance and drum, to stand up, to speak out and to be one. To be peaceful, to use non-violence, because, in her words, the children are watching. And by mobilizing young people, Chief Theresa Spence has done something great. She has given her people hope.”

“Leadership is not about easy choices, it’s usually about difficult decisions. Effective leaders, the ones who make a positive difference for the people they represent, confront difficult decisions every day. They know difficult decisions cannot be avoided, and they know that their effectiveness as leaders depends on them being there to make those difficult decisions. Chief Spence took the difficult decision two weeks ago to put her health and soul on the line for her belief that the Crown and prime minister were ignoring, if not trampling, on her peoples’ treaty and aboriginal rights. Now she must make another equally difficult decision — end her hunger strike and return to Attawapiskat to continue to serve her constituents, to provide them with her capacity for effective and vital leadership, and to comfort and care for her family.”

“Hunger strikes have a way of reducing complex issues to the most simple elements: Natives are suffering, and Chief Spence, as she has said repeatedly, is prepared to starve herself to death until and unless she gets that meeting with the PM. It is tempting to see the action as one of intimidation, if not terrorism: She is, after all, holding the state hostage to vaguely articulated demands. But if she were to die on Harper’s watch, it would not only be tragic, but also disastrous.”

“What he should know about Chief Spence’s hunger strike however, is that many First Nations people are moved and they are not only talking about why the government needs to change its attitude about native people but many are also acting to reclaim their place in Canada. To make things right for our families and our future generations. That in essence is what the Idle No More movement and Chief Spence’s hunger strike is all about. To show our united front, many of us are participating in flash mobs and rallies, and these peaceful movements are now happening all over the world. These public protests are helping the world understand some of the main issues and causing people of all cultures to start asking questions about why the Canadian government treats First Nations people with such distain and contempt.”

“For goodness sake, Prime Minister Harper, please meet with Chief Theresa Spence. Your silence is deafening and heartless! What is the harm of beginning to talk with our First Nations people? They are an integral and valued part of our nation and heritage.”

“A good friend has been on a hunger strike for 18 days. Why would a person go on a hunger strike you may ask? What would get that person to stop the hunger strike? The answer, and my wish, is simple: I wish for Prime Minister Stephen Harper to meet as soon as possible with Theresa Spence, Chief of Attawapiskat, to discuss our First Nations’ concerns. Is that too much to ask?”

“It would be a mistake to dismiss the aboriginal hunger strikes and demonstrations occurring now across Canada as merely the latest in a series of angry outbursts that will disappear as suddenly as they appeared, only to surface again in the future following the next complaint of injustice and violation of rights. It would also be a mistake, however, to presume that the issues are one-sided — that the national government must alone act before equity for Canada’s beleaguered First Nations can be achieved. Aboriginals, too, must also be prepared to consider and propose fundamental reforms that would help lift them out of poverty and despair. It is not enough to simply demand more, without offering a plan for a different way of doing business.”

Perhaps it’s your culture that keeps you in irons, and that they don’t want. And yes of course you cleave to it.

EmilyOne on December 29, 2012 at 7:55 pm

Open your eyes, Glynn … where do you live, exactly? A little cardboard box house in the suburbs? Do you not go out and meet people. Native Americans leave their First Nations all the time. Wake up.

Léa Langelier on December 29, 2012 at 9:37 pm

Yes, how stupid of people to blame “white people”. Far better to blame the victims, as you’re clearly doing. Never mind that the poverty is a result of forced isolation and underdevelopment. Never mind that the rape and incest is directly attributable to the rape and abuse of children in residential schools who went on to do it to their own children. Never mind that the government spends more on legal fees to defeat land claims than on infrastructure, education and health on reserves combined. If you lived with that or witnessed that, you might know something of what you’re talking about, instead of hypocritically pointing the finger yourself and condemning it as “victim mentality”.

Uhm … yes … utter leftist claptrap also leads me to believe that there are two theories surrounding why people in a society behave as they do. One is socio-economics and the other is internal dialogue. Do you understand that or should I send you my school books? No. Wait. Your right wing brain only understands simple things … like “Capitalism Rules” and “God put trees here for me to cut them down”. Look, the only reason there are people like you in the world is because it gives us “Lefties” a reason to better educate our children so that they don’t end up like you.

Léa Langelier on December 29, 2012 at 5:15 pm

When the ‘internal dialogue’ consists of convincing oneself that somebody owes you a living, socioeconomic dysfunction must surely follow since the belief is in contrast with the reality.

Actually Glynn, if you would have taken the time to take Social Studies in school instead of picking your bum you would have learned that the term “Internal Dialogue” consists of information you are given while growing up in said society being fed to you by those who are not a member of your circle and then internalizing that information. I don’t know about you, but if I grew up only hearing how terrible of a person I was due to the fact that I was French – like you and Bob seem to enjoy doing regarding Native Americans – the notion that I should be ashamed of who I am would affect my later behaviour – you know, because you say it … I mean, if must be true. Right?

Léa Langelier on December 29, 2012 at 9:26 pm

“Far better to blame the victims…”

When the people the most blameworthy turn out to be the victims, then yes, it is necessary to blame the victims.

There are no demands…just talk about the relationship between FNs and why things aren’t working.[clearly Spence and lots of other FNs leaders feel the crown isn’t honouring the treaties…how is that coercion or making demands?] It’s a form of emotional blackmail surely. But that’s always the case when you feel you are desperate enough to use such a tactic…people who feel they have other choices don’t use such tactics.

I’m no expert but a way to save face is clearly available to the PM..’.stop this now, you’ve made your point, we will schedule talks in the near future’…but promise nothing. Harper is the one in the loser’s corner here; it’ll be interesting to see if he’s too stubborn to bend gracefully.

The term Columbus coined to describe
the inhabitants of the so called New World; the term stuck, and
continues into modern times to describe a “Native American,” (Also known
as “Red Indians,” a term predominantly coined by Indians (People from India), in order to specify the difference.

Know what else is interesting about Columbus? He didn’t land in North America because while he was travelling there he saw smoke and assumed there was a forest fire. Ended up being Villages strewn along the coast. Just a lot of people cooking food and keeping warm …

Léa Langelier on December 29, 2012 at 9:41 pm

The more time and effort is put into things like the ‘treaty relationship’ the less time and effort are available to do anything practical to help the most impoverished indians on ‘first nations’ get out of the quagmire in which they find themselves.

Are you suggesting that only certain ancestral groups can manage to figure these sorts of things out? In reality the vast majority of cultures that operate within Canada manage to do just fine.

Indians stand out in their dysfunction. Not all, since many indians do figure it out, and they work, pay taxes, and generally prosper as much as their neighbours do… despite being excoriated as ‘apples’ by their extended family and ex-friends left on the rez.

But they’re not the ones mouldering on isolated reserves like Attawapiskat whining for somebody else to fix their lives for them.

The subcontinent of India is a democracy with 17 languages….and doesn’t have much in common with Canada

EmilyOne on December 29, 2012 at 8:02 pm

If they ever let you out for the week end you should hitch hike to Toronto. You might be surprised how much common ground there is.

Why do you always put people down?.

But one other thing. There are Reserves out there managed by competent tribal leaders. The people on the well managed reserves take strong advantage of their tax-free status and make highly successful economic lives for themselves.

These people and the hungry Chief you’re so enamoured with won’t even let anyone look at the place and try to set them on the right direction. They’d rather sit around in the cold and wait for someone to send them ANOTHER cheque.

So fie on them.

TheSotSays on December 29, 2012 at 10:18 pm

People from India who come to Canada seem, in general, to function just fine, be they Punjabi, Gujurati, Hindu, Sikh, or whatever. And there are actually 23 official languages in India, including English, plus a number of minor dialects.

I don’t see why you keep wanting to bring other cultures into the discussion, though, Scots, English, or whatever else.

Or Ayn Rand, though I’ve seen so many people complain about her work that I might read some of it someday.

Imagine a whole culture of depressed people, especially for those that live great distances from affordable amenities and food. You want a bag of milk for your family? Better get ready to pay more than double, and that with social assistance wages. No one gets rich on welfare, I wish people would stop insisting they do…..they’re a depressed shunned people who don’t have access to adequate nutrition. What happens to those who have low incomes and lack of nutrient rich food? They commit crimes, abuse, become addicted to drugs and alcohol…this doesn’t have to be proven because we see this in white culture, why would it be different for Aboriginals? An abused people for hundreds of years – abused by neglect…

Chief Louie was create a stable income for Aboriginals in his band, something to also consider is that his band is not located in the middle of nowhere with little access to anything…including doctors, nutrient rich food, good public schools….the list goes on and on….

jenjenboben on December 30, 2012 at 7:50 am

Then move.

My various ancestors moved to where they thought their prospects were better. I moved away from home for the same reasons.

If you want to put up with the low standard of living that is created by the traditional way of living, then fine… go to it. BUT you have to realize that the traditional way does not generate the wealth necessary to sustain the modern standard of living.

They worked by hunting and by agriculture. They never had an industrial age.

EmilyOne on December 30, 2012 at 9:58 am

You don’t know where Attiwapiskat is do you?

And you haven’t read the applicable Treaty No 9. and the background to it where it is clearly documented how the Indians lived, how they sustained themselves, how successful and prosperous they were.

Agriculture was discussed specifically in the background to the Treaty and there was none. Treaty No 9 differed significantly from earlier Treaties with bands that did engage in agricultural activities. Attiwapiskat is not farm country.

These people were actively engaged in hunting and trapping and in successful commercial activities with the Hudson Bay Company.

You’re a fool and all you’re doing is trolling BS and nonsense.Go away!

TheSotSays on December 30, 2012 at 12:15 pm

That ‘traditional way of living’ does not generate the wealth necessary to sustain the modern standard of living to which most people aspire.

There is no doubt Canada is a great country, but the two greatest obstacles to Canada’s increased awesomeness are the dysfunctional nature of our constitutional power-sharing arrangement between provinces and the federal government and the ongoing tragedy of having 3rd world, first nations communities embedded in one of the world’s richest countries.

Idle no more is a historic opportunity for Harper to address the latter (actually his second such opportunity). There is plenty of blame that has been directed at both the federal government through the years and the aboriginal leadership. Most of the blame is well deserved. The obvious takeaways from Idle no more is that the First Nations are fed up with the status quo and feel an unprecedented urgency to press for change. The less obvious is that their single demand is discussion.

I hope Harper takes advantage of this opportunity. In spite of my feelings towards many of his policies, he is a skilled negotiator and understands the long-game. What we do not need is someone buying a transient peace without resolving underlying issues.

Idle no more is an opportunity to transform the dysfunctional relationship between Canada and its First Nations into one that is fair, transparent and sustainable into the future. It will require hard work, tough negotiations and some inspiration on both sides, but given the current situation is clearly worth the effort.

Guess who owns shares in Enbridge,
Pembina Pipeline Corp., Exxon, Cnooc (!), Halliburton, Canadian Oil
Sands Trust, Occidental Petroleum, and what appears to be every natural
resource company under the sun?

Nothing short of seizing government buildings is needed. Nothing short of reoccupying ancient lands is needed. Nothing short of provoking an armed conflict with the army is absolutely needed. Where is your Wounded Knee Idle No More?

Years ago lived next door to a native woman from an oil rich reserve . At age 18 each reserve member would receive $15,000 in oil royalty. She was one of the few smart ones who used her money for education. Most partied, drank , bought a car and had their money spent within a year. When you live in that society of entitlement why can any government do

Most people who believe in gods get into wars, and hold back progress.

EmilyOne on December 30, 2012 at 9:57 am

Most people believe in god(s), period. It seems to be a genetically ingrained defect in the human brain. But those who do not believe in god(s) do not have markedly different outcomes than those who do.

So it’s pretty much an irrelevancy. Belief in “somebody owes me a living”, on the other hand, leads almost inevitably toward poverty and misery.

Mostly it seems to be white religious males who believe somebody owes them a living. You are quite happy to make your living by depriving other people.

Take their oil, uranium, gold, diamonds, land…..as long as you get yours.

EmilyOne on December 30, 2012 at 1:20 pm

Heh heh heh… The prevalence of belief in god(s) demonstrates that it IS inherent to our genetics. And all but a small minority of people do believe in some sort of god(s).

And no, I deprive no one of anything theirs. Are you somehow suggesting that indians own the mineral rights outside their ‘first nations’? Or that the ‘first nations’ own mineral rights outside their reserve boundaries?

I don’t know about you Emily, but if I was given 15,000 dollars at 18, I would have probably partied hard, too. Why not? It so silly how they make it seem so “HORRIBLE” because it happens to be Native Kids who are partying up …

Léa Langelier on December 29, 2012 at 9:19 pm

All these racists are blaming natives for what they do themselves….they just don’t like to admit it.

Because as you say you lived next door to a native somhow makes you an expert and able to judge a nation…wow in that thinking my poor Mexican neighbor his whole nationality must not know how to speak english or want to learn.

…and any other young person, in general society, living in poverty…if given a large sum of money w/no guidelines….would be righteous saints with it? give me a break. as for entitlement, do some research about the *true* history of this nation. case in point: “entitlement” = who’s? if you’re referring to Treaty agreement, then yes–WE ARE ENTITLED.

Just a side note, Mrs. Spence stated in an interview once that it was not the idlenomore movement that sparked her action, but hearing the concerns of another leader and the treatment that the government and the lack of concern and/or care that they are bound to provide during a AFN meeting. No longer cloaked in seclusion and swept under the rug, I believe First Nations, such as Mrs, Spence are actually just seeking to be treated with equitable respect.

I agree, I wonder though, why more FN’s people are not enlisting the help of fellow Canadians in this struggle…I would support, force my kids to support, in whatever way I could because I believe that at the very least, FN’s people should have the opportunities that I have..the fact that they live reserve on off reserve is just geography.

My slight gripe with this movement is that it has become a FN’s vs White thing (for some) when it should really be a FN’s thing against the government, which would encourage others to join the fight and support not only the proper treatment of Aboriginals, but also better care of our lakes and rivers, environmental protections, better and more effective use of government funds, the INDIAN ACT….etc….

In a way, I worry a little that less informed non-aboriginals will grow tired with the movement if they themselves cannot find something to identify with….

stop blaming all white people and blame the government instead for the problems facing Aboriginals…..

It is about FN vs government. I’ve seen caucasian, black, asian people intermingled with Aboriginal protests. I was at a Vancouver rally and the speaker asked non-Aboriginals to yell “idle No More”, and about a third of the crowd of about 500 yelled.

I am sorry but do you people hear yourselves? Blaming, name calling, pointing fingers…neither can see beyond themselves. This is not about who is to blame, its about change in what has been said and has not been said. We are all of us people of the earth and we have collectively forgotten that. We have forgotten how to live with each other and how to live harmoniously on the earth. That is what this is about, it has nothing to do with money because money is just a lie – its just a weapon they use to keep us inline so that the powers that be can do what they want and we will be to busy fighting about the money. Stop just stop! Listen to the drums as they represent the heartbeat of our mother and try to remember that if we destroy our mother we destroy ourselves. We must change ourselves and how we see and treat each other and how we treat the very planet we live on. We can no longer be idle in this unless we wish to bring upon our own demise.

The reason it makes no sense to you is because you are too angry and worried about money, the Chief is not asking for money she is asking for a meeting. I understand you are afraid, but there is nothing to fear, this is about protecting a people, a people that understand that they are the last voice for protecting the land and water that even you need to survive. It is your last hope – The First Nations are trying to protect the environment so that your children might have clean water and clear air to breath.

As a white kid growing up I went school with first nation children bussed in from the reservation. Most of them came from hard working very decent families. One thing i know is some omnibus bill aint gonna change shit better or for worse for first nations peoples, it comes down to the individual. Spence what do you think meeting with Harper is really going to achieve? You need to focus your attention on curbing your ego and figuring out how to make a real difference with the money you have for your people. Frankly i think you should step down as chief and let someone else do what you should have a long time ago- be a real leader instead of a chronic complainer!

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